Eateries close doors, one for good, the other for remodeling

Two Brookings-Harbor eateries are closing their doors – one permanently and the other for a few months.

Friday will be the last day of business for The Hunger Stop, 925 Chetco Ave.

Meanwhile, The Apple Peddler at 97953 Shopping Center Ave. in Harbor is closed until spring.

Hunger Stop owner Keffe Dillon says it’s time to stop working 60 to 70 hours a week and start enjoying more leisure time.

“I can just never get away,” he said.

Dillon and his wife, Theresa, have children at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, and Dillon wants more time to travel to see them, he said. The couple’s youngest son is a senior at Brookings-Harbor High School and will be away at college next year, too, furthering the desire for more time off.

“It’s a quality of life decision,” Dillon said.

He added that Chetco Federal Credit Union made him a good job offer. Theresa Dillon also works for CFCU.

They ran The Hunger Stop together for five years until Keffe took over by himself for the past year. He has tried to sell the business, but hasn’t found a buyer, he said.

The restaurant employs six part-time employees, two of whom have found new jobs. Dillon said local employers who need good workers should consider the other four, saying, “I’ve got some awesome girls.”

He emphasized his appreciation for support the community has given the restaurant over the years.

“I really would like to thank our faithful customers, including the students. They’ve all been great.”

Al Rosiechelli, who owns the building that houses The Hunger Stop and his own business Al’s Electronics/ Radio Shack, said he hopes another restaurateur will lease the space.

“It’s all set up and ready to roll,” he said, adding that the restaurant equipment belongs to him and will stay in place.

The Apple Peddler is closed for repair and remodeling, but will open again during the first couple of weeks in March, said Casey Toth, assistant manager of the Crescent City Apple Peddler store.

He said the remodeling won’t add square footage to the restaurant, although customers will notice cleaner carpets, booths and general appearance.